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Plasma arginine and citrulline concentrations in critically ill children: strong relation with inflammation

Dick A van Waardenburg1, Carlijn T de Betue, Yvette C Luiking

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands. dcwa@paed.azm.nl

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Critically ill children with sepsis or trauma have lower plasma arginine levels, which correlate with inflammation severity. Arginine levels increase during recovery, indicating reduced inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Critical Care
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Arginine is a crucial amino acid in metabolic processes, vital for both health and disease states.
  • Reduced arginine levels are frequently observed in children suffering from various critical illnesses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between plasma arginine concentrations and the severity of inflammation in critically ill children.
  • To examine the association between precursor amino acids and inflammation severity in pediatric critical illness.

Main Methods:

  • An observational cohort study was conducted involving critically ill children.
  • Participants included children with viral respiratory disease, accidental or surgical trauma, and sepsis admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit.

Main Results:

  • Plasma arginine and citrulline concentrations were significantly lower in children with sepsis and trauma compared to those with viral disease.
  • Lower arginine and citrulline levels showed a strong inverse correlation with inflammation severity, as indicated by C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations.
  • During recovery, arginine and citrulline levels increased, correlating with reduced inflammation markers.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma arginine and citrulline levels are diminished during the acute phase of critical illness in children.
  • These amino acid levels normalize during the recovery phase.
  • Plasma arginine and citrulline concentrations are closely linked to the severity of inflammation in critically ill children.
Abstract

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